Strawberry Smoothie Breakfast Pops make nutrition fun for the whole family

In the hustle and bustle that starts the day, breakfast is a meal that typically gets short shrift — especially if you’re not a cereal eater. But there’s no reason a bowl and spoon are required gear for the morning munch. The Star’s Strawberry Smoothie Breakfast Pops are a clever way to get kids off to a good start.

A yogurt-based fruit smoothie has long been a healthful way to start the day. Ancient Greeks and Romans are believed to have eaten yogurt, according to Prevention Magazine’s Nutrition Advisor (Rodale Press). Yogurt has continued to be a staple food for the people of the Middle East and Eastern Europe for thousands of years.

No time to sit down at the table and engage in this delicious ancient ritual?

The addition of a Popsicle stick makes it the perfect American-style grab-and-go breakfast. It’s really no surprise that the more convenient — and cool — the food, the less likely teenagers are to snooze through breakfast.

Numerous studies have shown that forgetting to “break” the “fast” can lead to poor memory, a lack of concentration and a generally crabby mood. Skipping breakfast means teens often do not make up that lack of calcium later in the day, a crucial deficiency during rapid bone-building years that may lead to osteoporosis later in life.

One cup of yogurt contains more calcium than a glass of milk. Look for yogurt that contains at least 35 percent to 40 percent of the recommended daily calcium.

Yogurt is also an excellent source of protein and includes magnesium and potassium, important nutrients that when consumed with calcium can help regulate blood pressure. Add strawberries and bananas, a satisfying flavor combination as well as a source of vitamins and fiber.

For anyone who is lactose-intolerant, yogurt is often more easily digested than milk.

Unlike many frozen yogurt products available on the market, our pops tend to lean to the tart side. Let the kids think they’re eating dessert for breakfast; only you know better.

Need yet another reason to grab a smoothie before grabbing your backpack or briefcase and running out the door?

A smoothie pop makes good nutrition fun for the whole family.

Storage tip:

For longer storage, place several frozen cups in large resealable plastic bags.

Pump it up: This recipe is adjustable to just about any yogurt flavor and berry combination. Prefer vanilla yogurt with blueberries or peach yogurt with sliced peaches? Go for it. The calorie count will vary only slightly.